Nijmegen The Netherlands Travel Guide
Valkhof Park is the historical heart of Nijmegen. This elevated site was once the home of a Roman encampment and, later, a powerful imperial palace of Charlemagne. Today, visitors see the beautiful 11th-century St. Nicholas Chapel (Sint-Nicolaaskapel), one of the oldest surviving stone buildings in the Netherlands, and a few remnants of the Valkhof Palace.
The park itself is a peaceful oasis with ancient trees and sweeping views. It serves as a reminder of Nijmegen's strategic importance through millennia. The Grote Markt is surrounded by impressive historic buildings, including the Weigh House (De Waag) and the city hall. It is a lively hub for cafes, restaurants, and market days, showing the city's ongoing commercial and social life. It exemplifies Dutch market squares.
Visit popular areas early in the morning, shortly after sunrise, for fewer crowds and unobstructed photographs.
Surrounded by impressive historic buildings, including the Weigh House (De Waag) and city hall. Lively hub for cafes, restaurants, market days. An emblem of Dutch market squares.
Claimed oldest shopping street in Netherlands (Roman origins). Lively commercial street with historic character, narrow passages, traditional facades, independent boutiques.
Large Gothic church dominating skyline (began 13th century). Significant historical and architectural value, landmark.
Modern bridge, a poignant memorial. 'Lights of Freedom' ceremony commemorates 48 American soldiers from Operation Market Garden. Evidence of wartime resilience etched into its landscape and monuments.
Evidence of wartime resilience etched into its landscape and monuments.
Nijmegen offers diverse museums and cultural venues for all interests, from Roman artifacts to contemporary art.
Located dramatically at the edge of Valkhof Park. Extensive Roman archaeology collection, artifacts unearthed directly from the city's foundations. Old masters and modern art. Current building styles overlooking ancient ruins.
Natural history museum focusing on diverse flora, fauna, and geological features of the region. Engaging exhibits for all ages, good for families interested in local ecology and environmental themes.
Unique museum dedicated to the history of the bicycle. Vast, fascinating collection of bicycles from different eras, showing the evolution of this iconic mode of transport, central to Dutch culture.
Significant museum located just outside the city. Dedicated to the liberation of the Netherlands during World War II, with particular focus on Operation Market Garden. Poignant and informative experience.
Unique and impactful museum in nearby Arnhem. Allows visitors to experience the world from the perspective of visually impaired people. Engaging exhibits and guided tours. Eye-opening insight.
City center and Honigcomplex host smaller galleries, independent exhibition spaces. Display local and regional artists, offering a glimpse into the contemporary art scene. Extrapool known for experimental art, music, and publishing.
Stadsschouwburg Nijmegen, the main municipal theater, located centrally, hosts a diverse program of plays, musicals, dance performances, and concerts throughout the year.
Doornroosje hosts both established national and international artists and emerging talents through different genres. It is a hub for contemporary music. Honigcomplex offers a vibrant intersection of culture, art, and urban regeneration.
Valkhof Park contains tangible remnants of Nijmegen's deep past, including Roman fortifications and remnants of Charlemagne's imperial palace. Kronenburgerpark features a medieval town walls and towers.
The city's working history and strategic past are evident in various sites.
Beyond its urban and ancient heart of the city, Nijmegen offers beautiful natural spaces for relaxation and outdoor enjoyment, from manicured parks to expansive river floodplains.
Valkhof Park: Historical site also beautiful natural space, ancient trees, views of Waal River and Ooijpolder. Kronenburgerpark: Urban park, pond, small zoo, a historic medieval city walls. Goffertpark: Large public park, recreation, concerts. Botanische Tuin Radboud Universiteit: Diverse plants, tropical greenhouse, educational.
Valkhof Park: Elevated views of Waal River floodplain and bridges, stunning at sunrise/sunset. Along the Waalkade: Riverfront promenade, picturesque views of Waal River, passing boats, city skyline. Stevenskerk Tower: Comprehensive panoramic view of Nijmegen and surrounding landscape.
Ooijpolder: Best place for wildlife viewing, spot wild Konik horses and Galloway cattle, diverse birdlife. Lentse Plas: Recreational a lake within Nijmegen-Noord, small beach area, designated swimming in summer. Waal River for boat excursions.
Ooijpolder is the best place for wildlife viewing near Nijmegen. Visitors can spot herds of wild Konik horses and Galloway cattle grazing freely in the floodplains. The area is also a significant habitat for diverse birdlife.
The Waal River dominates the city's northern edge. While not suitable for swimming within the city, it offers opportunities for boat trips. Lentse Plas, a recreational lake in Nijmegen-Noord, offers a small beach and designated swimming in summer.
Nijmegen is situated in a slightly hilly area, part of the 'Nijmeegse heuvelrug' or Nijmegen ridge. This rare geographical feature in the otherwise flat Netherlands is a result of glacial activity.
The extensive floodplains of the Waal River provide natural beauty for exploration, perfect for walks and cycle rides.
Valkhof Park and Kronenburgerpark offer green havens within the city for relaxation and strolls.
Nijmegen has a fascinating mix of ancient and current building styles.
Take advantage of walking and cycling to explore. The city is best experienced on foot or by bike.
Combine historical sites with natural areas for a proportional visit.
Beyond the main attractions, Nijmegen holds several lesser-known spots that give one-of-a-kind experiences and local insights, connecting to the city's character.
Discover charming, less-traveled locations within the city.
Explore these spots for a more authentic experience.
Nijmegen-Noord is a rapidly developing area across the Waal River, linked by modern bridges. It features contemporary architecture, new urban spaces, and more and more amenities.
Discover new perspectives of the city's growth.
Capture the city's essence through these special views.
Also capture the reflections of city lights on the Waal River at night for beautiful, atmospheric shots. Explore secluded courtyards in the city center.
Nijmegen's rich cultural life offers diverse experiences.
Discover special artwork and music scenes.
Shoulder seasons (spring/fall) offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
Nijmegen is walkable and bike-friendly. Public transport (buses) is convenient for longer distances.
Check GetYourGuide for booking attraction tickets and tours.
